PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey on Californians and the Initiative Process, October 2005
Mark Baldassare

October 2005

Some findings of the current survey

• 54% of likely voters consider the special election a bad idea.
• As the election approaches, none of the measures actively supported by Governor Schwarzenegger enjoys majority support among likely voters:
  • Proposition 74 (teacher tenure), 46% yes, 48% no
  • Proposition 75 (use of union dues), 46% yes, 46% no
  • Proposition 76 (spending and funding limits), 30% yes, 62% no
  • Proposition 77 (redistricting), 36% yes, 50% no
• Approval ratings of public officials among all Californians:
  • Governor Schwarzenegger, 33% approve, 58% disapprove
  • California Legislature, 25% approve, 56% disapprove
  • President Bush, 36% approve, 60% disapprove
  • U.S. Congress, 42% approve, 46% disapprove
  • Senator Feinstein, 50% approve, 27% disapprove
  • Senator Boxer, 48% approve, 29% disapprove
• Likely voters are very unhappy with the federal government:
  • 74% have little or no confidence in the federal government to do what is right
  • 69% believe that the federal government wastes a lot of tax dollars.

This is the 60th PPIC Statewide Survey and the third in a series of three surveys focusing on Californians and the initiative process, as well as state and national issues. This special survey series is funded by The James Irvine Foundation.